Better Oil Pan For High-Performance Engines: Necessary Upgrade?

When it comes to BBC engines, the oil pan you choose is important. While most BBC oil pans have a minimum capacity of 5 quarts, some people prefer a high-capacity oil pan to help keep the oil cooler. If you're running a high-volume oil pump, you may need a larger oil pan to accommodate the extra oil. Additionally, if you have a stroker crank, you'll want to make sure the oil pan is clearanced correctly to avoid oiling issues. There are several options available on the market, including the Moroso 20403 and 20408, the Milodon 30950, and the Straub Technologies 91487. It's also important to consider the depth of the sump and the location of the dipstick tube when selecting an oil pan to ensure that the full mark on the dipstick is accurate.

Moroso oil pans

Moroso offers a wide range of oil pans, including those suitable for high-performance applications such as drag racing. Their products cater to various engine types and vehicles, including the Chevrolet Small Block and Big Block engines, as well as specific models like the Camaro.

The Moroso oil pan, with part number 20416, is mentioned in a forum as a suitable option for a BBC engine. However, the user expresses a desire for a larger capacity than its 6-quart size. Another forum user recommends the Moroso 20408 oil pan, which they confirm fits 565 and 582 engines and the G body, with a capacity of 6.5 quarts.

Moroso's website lists several oil pans, including part numbers 20025, 20047, 20048, 20378, 21009, 20377, 20524, 21050, 20537, 20538, 20381, and many others. These oil pans vary in their compatibility with different engines and vehicles, with some designed for specific applications like drag racing or road racing.

For example, the Moroso oil pan with part number 21050 is designed for BBC Gen 5 and Gen 6 engines used in drag racing. It has an 8-inch-deep steel construction and a wet sump design. Similarly, the Moroso oil pan with part number 20413, available on Amazon, is specifically designed for Chevy Generation V/VI Big-Block engines.

When choosing an oil pan, it's important to consider factors such as engine compatibility, capacity, sump design, and the reputation of the manufacturer. Moroso appears to be a popular choice among car enthusiasts, with their oil pans known for their performance and reliability.

Champ oil pans

Champ Pans have been manufacturing quality, high-performance products for over 30 years. They offer a wide range of products, from oil pans to chassis brackets, with a focus on unleashing your engine's potential. Their products are used by both grassroots racers and professional racing teams, and they actively support sanctioning bodies such as WISSOTA, USMTS, and IMCA.

Champ Pans cater to a variety of applications, including Circle Track, Street, Strip, Off-Road, Road Race, and Marine. Their oil pans are designed to enhance your engine's performance, with specific products tailored to your needs. For instance, their Street/Strip Wet Sump Oil Pan (CP208) offers an 8-quart capacity for Chevy Big Block engines, while the CP209 model provides a 7-quart option. Champ Pans also offers a range of dipstick assemblies, oil pump pickups, and power steering tanks to complement their oil pans.

The company's commitment to quality and performance is evident in their manufacturing philosophy, which emphasizes reasonable pricing without compromising on product quality. This approach has earned them praise from satisfied customers, with one testimonial declaring, "You guys are the best! Won't run anything else on my street stock!"

Champ Pans' extensive inventory means that many of their products are available for same-day shipping, ensuring that you can get your hands on their high-performance parts without delay.

Milodon oil pans

Milodon manufactures over 1200 oil pans and parts, specifically designed to make your engine run harder, stronger and longer. Their oil pans are the result of aggressive race track testing and almost six decades of manufacturing expertise. This guarantees that you will receive engine components of higher quality, better fit and longer durability.

Milodon's knowledge and proven technology provide the finest quality parts, and by far the best value. Their pans are well-engineered to free up horsepower and protect your crank and main bearings. The shallowest LS pan on the market is a Milodon pan, at 5 1/2", carrying 2 extra quarts over a "cast" pan at 7 quarts. Milodon pans are also designed with baffles and trap doors for oil control, unlike empty "cast" pans.

The Milodon Extra Low Profile Oil Pan was developed over two decades ago, providing both adequate ground clearance and sufficient oil capacity for any kind of high-performance use. These pans are equally suited for the street or strip, with oil control baffles that subdue oil movement by 100% and provide increased horsepower.

Milodon also offers a range of oil pans for different engines, including:

• Chevy Big Block
• Chevy Small Block
• Ford 4.6 / 5.4L
• Ford 351C / 400M
• Chrysler 383 / 440 & Hemi

Oil pan capacity

When it comes to oil pan capacity, finding the right balance is crucial. While the common misconception is that more oil is always better to prevent engine starvation, this can lead to issues such as windage, which is a turbulent environment of oil spray and airflow in the crankcase that can strain the engine. Similarly, too little oil can cause the engine to overheat or result in insufficient oil pressure, potentially leading to engine damage.

The ideal oil level varies depending on factors such as engine design, oil pump volume, engine oiling passage tolerances, and motor stroke. For a maximum-effort race motor, it is recommended to maintain a minimum of 6 inches between the oil level and any rotating component, while a street motor can operate with a closer distance.

To measure oil pan capacity, one can simply pour a measured amount of liquid into the pan and observe the level. The capacity of an oil pan is typically measured to the baffle or the "wings" above the sump. It's important to ensure that the oil level is calibrated correctly to the manufacturer's suggested level before making any adjustments.

Additionally, factors such as the use of a windage tray or crank scraper can influence the optimal oil level. A windage tray is designed to prevent oil from being sucked up by the rotating assembly, reducing power loss and improving lubricity. When using a windage tray, it is crucial to ensure that the oil level remains below the tray. On the other hand, a crank scraper can help manage windage by scraping off excess oil from the crankshaft, allowing for a higher oil level without the same level of power loss.

In summary, achieving the right oil level balance is essential for maximizing power and minimizing the potential for engine damage. By considering factors such as engine design, oiling system components, and the use of windage trays or crank scrapers, one can optimize oil pan capacity for their specific application.

Oil pan gaskets

An oil pan gasket is a component that can be replaced if you are experiencing oil leaks. The process of replacing an oil pan gasket can be done in a few simple steps, but it can be messy. Before attempting to replace the oil pan gasket, it is important to clean the engine with a degreaser to trace the source of the oil leak. If the evidence leads to the top of the oil pan, the solution will be more labour-intensive.

To replace the oil pan gasket, first obtain the appropriate replacement gasket. Gasket materials vary depending on the type of metals they are intended to seal. Name-brand gaskets usually come with any necessary sealants. While the oil is draining, remove the splash shield and bellhousing cover. In front-wheel-drive vehicles, the oil pan is often mated to the transaxle, and other accessories such as the exhaust manifold support and air-conditioning bracketry might need to be detached.

A service manual can be helpful to identify all oil-pan bolt locations, as some may be obscured behind other parts. Once all the bolts are removed, the pan can be dropped, and if necessary, tapped lightly with a mallet to break the seal. Scrape off any gasket residue and clean all sealing surfaces with a solvent. Also, clean the inside of the oil pan and inspect it for cracks before reinstalling.

Apply thread sealer, if specified, then torque the oil pan bolts to specification in a spiral pattern, beginning in the centre. Reattach any accessory brackets, refill the crankcase with oil, start the engine, and inspect for leaks.

The cost of an oil pan gasket can vary depending on the vehicle and the labour involved. In some cases, it may be necessary to drop the subframe and remove the engine to access the oil pan, which can increase the cost of the repair. However, for a BMW 2015 535xi, the parts for an oil pan gasket replacement are estimated to be between $50 and $100.

Frequently asked questions